From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 and 2 will host a joint event to highlight Ohio’s Move Over law at the Interstate 75 northbound rest area, south of Findlay. 

Ohio’s Move Over law, enacted in 2004, was put in place to protect law enforcement officers, emergency responders and tow truck operators along Ohio’s highways. The law requires motorists to move over one lane or slow down when passing a vehicle with rotating or flashing lights.

In 2013 the law was expanded to include highway construction, maintenance and utility workers.

In 2016, 153 strikes involving Ohio Department of Transportation workers, equipment or vehicles were recorded.

Representatives from every entity covered under the law will be available to share with the public their experiences from the road and how the law has affected them. Each entity will have a vehicle representing their industry on display as well.

Those scheduled to participate:

Ohio Department of Transportation, District 1 and 2
Hanco EMS Blanchard Valley Health System
Liberty Township Fire Department
Allen Township Fire Department
Ohio State Highway Patrol, Findlay Post
Hancock County Sheriff
Ed's 24-Hour Towing Service
Findlay Automotive Club (AAA)
American Electric Power (AEP)
The Beaver Excavating Co., Canton

“Some have the belief that moving over or slowing down when they approach a vehicle with flashing lights along the highway is optional or a courtesy rather than a requirement. We want to remind motorists it is the law and it exists to protect not only roadside workers, but also them,” said Kirk Slusher, Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 deputy director.

Last year, 28 motorists were killed in work zone-related crashes. The year before, 30 motorists were killed.